I like meat. I must admit that my greatest indulgence is a basket of hot wings, preferably all drums. I’m no Ron Swanson, but I don’t believe many of us really are. We all have a few dishes we really love, but beyond that I think we eat meat because it has become so readily available and built into the American culture.

Early in his book, Foer recalls stories his grandmother told him of her life growing up in World War II Europe. What struck me most was the fact that meat was reserved only for important occasions, not Tuesday night’s after-work, quick-fix dinner. To me, moderation in meat consumption is a small first step we can all make.

I’m not saying stop eating meat entirely or to adopt a strict vegan diet. Just start by eating less meat. Skip the sausage at breakfast once a week. Pass on the pastrami at lunch sometimes. Choose something other than chicken for Tuesday’s quick-fix dinner. Start there. You may find that you can make other changes thereafter. 

As much as alcohol and cigarettes should be consumed in moderation, so should meat. Personal health notwithstanding, do it for the health of our planet.

Burger Photo credit: flickr.com/carl-johan
Ron Swanson photo: mlkshk.com